A group of students from QVS at the Beyond the Skies Aviation open day, accompanied by supportive mothers
The Fiji National University (FNU) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) officially opened the inaugural Beyond the Skies Aviation Open Day yesterday at FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus, bringing together hundreds of students, teachers, parents and members of the public to explore opportunities in Fiji’s aviation sector.
For many young people, aviation is something they see from a distance. Yesterday, they had the opportunity to get closer to the industry, meet aviation professionals, explore different careers, and learn what it takes to become part of the sector.
Held under the theme “Inspiring Fiji’s Future Aviation Workforce,” the event brought together aviation organisations, government agencies, training institutions, and industry partners to showcase career and training pathways.
Students from secondary schools across Nadi, Lautoka and as far as Tailevu explored interactive displays and learned about careers including pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation security officers, and other roles.
James Ramsay, Executive Director of the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation
The Chief Guest and Executive Director of the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A), Mr James Ramsay, said the event was an opportunity to show young people that careers in aviation are within their reach.
“Aviation is important to Australia because it is essential to our Pacific neighbours. Together with Fiji, we are helping to build aviation capability and strengthen the safety, reliability, and sustainability of the aviation sector throughout the region,” Mr Ramsay said.
Mr Ramsay also announced that FNU’s Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies (PCAS) is being developed into a regional centre of excellence for aviation education and training.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, said the event highlighted the importance of bringing education and industry together to prepare young people for the future.
“As Fiji’s aviation industry continues to grow and evolve, we must ensure that our people have the skills and knowledge to be part of that growth and, in time, to lead it. That is where FNU has an important responsibility,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.
The Vice-Chancellor added that FNU is proud to be home to the Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies.
Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Vice-Chancellor, Fiji National University
“Through PCAS, our goal is to deliver education and training that responds to the needs of the aviation industry today while preparing graduates with the knowledge and expertise required for the future,” stated Professor Nabobo-Baba.
CAAF Chief Executive, Ms Theresa Levestam, said the Open Day was an important investment in Fiji’s future aviation workforce.
“For many young Fijians, aviation is admired from a distance but seldom made accessible. Beyond the Skies changes that. For one day, our students stand alongside the pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and safety inspectors who keep Fiji connected to the world and see plainly that these careers are within their reach. If even one student leaves knowing where to start, we will have done our job,” said Ms Levestam.
Throughout the day, visitors explored aviation displays, career exhibits, educational activities, and live demonstrations, while having the opportunity to speak directly with people working in the industry.
The inaugural Beyond the Skies Aviation Open Day reflects the shared commitment of FNU, CAAF, government, industry, and education partners to create opportunities for young people and build a skilled workforce for Fiji’s aviation future.
For the students who attended today, the message was simple. With the right education, support and opportunities, a future in aviation is within reach.